Blessed are the Persecuted "Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:10
Breathe Persecution? Blessed? Really, Jesus?
Take a breath. Let's sit with what Jesus is actually saying here.
When you live according to God's kingdom values in a world that runs on different values, there will be friction.
When you choose mercy over revenge, honesty over profit, love over self-interest—sometimes it will cost you. You might get passed over for promotions because you won't cut corners. You might be mocked for choosing forgiveness. You might be called naive for extending mercy.
And Jesus says: Blessed are you. The kingdom of heaven is yours.
He's not romanticizing suffering. He's saying that when you experience pushback for trying to live according to God's ways, you're exactly where kingdom people have always been. And the kingdom of heaven belongs to you—not someday, but right now.
For This Week: Maybe you're experiencing pushback for trying to live with integrity. Maybe choosing God's ways has cost you something.
Breathe and remember: Blessed are you.
You are not foolish. You are living in God's kingdom, and the kingdom of heaven is yours.
Take a breath. You are blessed.
Grace and peace, Pastor Erin
A quick note that we’ll be taking a short pause on the e-news next week. Look for our next update the following week.
Check out the Weekly Bulletin to see the full schedule of what’s happening at TLC this week!
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the friends and families for the recent passing of Sandra Mingus.
Please join us for Adult Forum every Sunday from 10:20am to 10:50am in the Garden Room.
Upcoming Topics: February 1. “Bible Study, Camp Style”, presented by Gabby Ortiz
Downtown Ventura Partners, a non-profit who helps those in need is assisting about 15 clients move into permanent housing. They are in need of household items including sheets, blankets, dishes, pillows, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, a small table, and chairs. Please contact Leo in the church office at (805) 644-7474 to make arrangements for pick-up if you are unable to bring the items to the church.
Registration for the 2026 school year begins soon, with priority enrollment for church members and returning students opening on February 2, 2026. General registration will then open to the community on February 17, 2026. To secure a spot, please email tlcpreschool196@gmail.com with your name, your child’s name and date of birth, your phone number, and your preferred enrollment days.
We're on the lookout for enthusiastic individuals to lead our Time with Young Disciples during our services! If you have a heart for connecting with our youngest members and sharing the joy of faith, we'd love to have you join this rewarding experience. Reach out to Gabby if you're interested or have any questions. Let's make a positive impact on our young ones together!
We are looking for readers for our 9:00am service throughout the month. If you'd like to participate, please add your name to the sign-up sheet located on the Coffee Shop bulletin board
Join Us for "The Chosen" Season Two! Trinity Lutheran Church invites you to a free weekly screening of The Chosen (Season 2), starting Monday, February 2nd at 3:30pm. Each of the eight one-hour episodes will be shown in the Fellowship Hall, followed by a brief, informal discussion. Everyone is welcome! If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 805-644-7474.
Lenten Soup Suppers begin February 25 and will take place every Wednesday during Lent at 6:00pm. If you’d like to prepare a soup for one of the evenings, please sign up at the Welcome Desk.
The 3rd Annual Pinewood Derby is officially set for May 30. It’s time to start brainstorming those high-speed designs. Keep a close eye on the bulletin for registration info and race-day details!
On May 16, from 10am to Noon there will be Pinewood Derby Workshop in the Fellowship Hall. This is the perfect opportunity to test your car on the official track or get building advice from our team of enthusiasts. Whether you need a little help or a lot, come join the fun!
Please join us for our Young at Heart luncheon on February 19 at noon. The sign-up sheet can be found on the Welcome Desk.
City Center is in need of toilet paper and paper towels, diapers (sizes 5 & 6) and groceries of any type. Please place your donations in the baskets located in the Gathering Space.
Thank you for your ongoing support! As a reminder, residents at The City Center purchase their own food and household items, so your contributions help them redirect those funds toward their children’s needs, such as school supplies and clothing.
January 30 - Christina Azunna, Emilia Pollard, Alane Wightman February 1 - Eric O’Neill, Danielle (Rose) Harmon February 2 - Betty Carper, Alan Rodebush
Please keep the following people in your prayers:
For Healing and Comfort
Don Frazeur, husband of Karen Jensen
Ann, Sister of Debe Bylo
Russell Bliese
Carrier Corter, Aunt of Alice Dobson
For the families who are mourning the death of:
Sandra Mingus
Vicki Davidowitz, aunt of Karl Arasmith
Week 3 (January 18 - January 24, 2026)
Giving through Week 3: Current Week - $6,130.52 2026 YTD - $34,966.85 2025 YTD - $32,004.17
'25 Goal based on 2.5%+ over '24 actuals - $548,020.88/52 weeks. '25 YTD Challenge Goal based on 50% over 5 Years (8.5%) - $646,641.45/52 weeks.
Attendance Week 3, 2026: Individuals in Person - 128 Estimated Individuals Online - 33
Attendance Week 3, 2025: Individuals in Person - 134 Estimated Individuals Online - 19
